During my travels across the United States, I’ve encountered many old steam locomotives on display. However, the 225 in Proctor, Minnesota, southwest of Duluth, is undoubtedly the most impressive I’ve seen. The 225 had a the nickname of “The Queen” and I am sure people marvled as it rolled by like royalty.
This magnificent locomotive was manufactured by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1941 for the Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range (DM&IR) railroad. Designed to transport vast quantities of iron ore the DM&IR ordered eight of these powerful machines initially, and then subsequently ten more. The 225 has two leading wheels, two sets of eight driving wheels, and a four-wheel trailing truck. The type was generally named the “Yellowstone”, a name given it by the first owner, the Northern Pacific Railway, whose lines ran near Yellowstone National Park.
For nearly two decades, these behemoths tirelessly hauled iron ore to fuel the steel mills. However, the advent of more efficient diesel locomotives eventually led to the retirement of these steam giants. In 1963, the 225 was retired and generously donated to the city of Proctor, where it now stands proudly on display, serving as a powerful reminder of the era of the mighty steam locomotives.
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